Prof Oquaye Advocates Knowledge-Based Political Leadership

Accra: Professor Aaron Mike Oquaye, former Speaker of Parliament, has urged young Ghanaians to pursue political leadership grounded in knowledge, mentoring, and national service. He cautioned that politics should not be pursued for personal enrichment, stressing that leadership required ethical purpose and adequate preparation. According to Ghana News Agency, Prof. Oquaye made the call at the inception meeting of the European Union Women and Youth Democratic Engagement (WYDE) Project in Ghana, organized by the Konrad-Adenauer-Stiftung (KAS) in collaboration with the European Union and the European Network of Political Foundations (ENoP), in Accra. He emphasized the importance of purpose in political engagement, highlighting the need for preparation and competence to contribute meaningfully to national discourse and policy formulation. Prof. Oquaye stated that young people, as the future of the nation, must anchor their political ambitions in learning and political philosophy. He encouraged aspiring politici ans to seek mentoring from experienced leaders and rise above partisan divisions, suggesting that politics is a collective responsibility to serve the nation. He further warned that pursuing politics for financial gain undermined public trust and good governance. The WYDE Project aims to empower emerging political leaders, particularly women and youth, through capacity building, mentoring, and networking. Mrs. Anna Wasserfall, KAS Ghana Country Representative, described the initiative as targeted and practical, combining capacity building, mentoring, and networking. She emphasized the importance of active engagement from participants for the project's success. Mr. Rune Skinnebach, European Union Ambassador to Ghana, highlighted the need to place young people at the center of action to build inclusive and democratic societies. The WYDE initiative seeks to strengthen youth voices and remove barriers to political participation. Mr. Gary Klaukka, Executive Director of ENoP, recognized Ghana as a positive exampl e of multi-party democracy, noting that democracy thrives when young people are actively involved in political parties and decision-making. Mr. Rashid Ibrahim, President of the National Union of Ghana Students, expressed that the project would help bridge the gap in structured pathways for nurturing young political leaders, promoting ethical, tolerant, and issue-based leadership among the youth.